Friday, May 31, 2013

(SAN DIEGO, CA) - Full Swing Golf is proud to announce that its golf simulator was in the spotlight recently at Tiger Jam 2013 in Las Vegas.

For the past 15 years, this Tiger Woods-hosted spectacle has been one of the city's premier fundraising events. Between the annual celebrity-filled concert, parties and golf tournament, this endeavor has raised millions of dollars for the college-access programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation. This year's concert featured Kid Rock. In addition, Tiger Jam highlights include top-notch epicurean fare, plus exclusive live and silent auctions featuring one-of-a-kind luxury items.

"Guests at the 2013 Tiger Jam raved about the Full Swing Golf simulator experience. It was a great addition to our charity fundraising event in Las Vegas," said the Tiger Woods Foundation spokesperson.

Full Swing Golf is proud to have been chosen by the Tiger Woods Foundation to participate at Tiger Jam," said Chad Coleman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Full Swing Golf. "We are committed to growing the game of golf worldwide, and no one can move the global needle more than Tiger. The game grows by making golf more fun, engaging and accessible. Golf simulation plays an important role in bringing golf to kids, and kids to the game of golf.

“For three years we have only made white drivers and have heard from a number of golfers who just prefer the look of black,” said President and CEO, Mark King. “Our commitment has always been to provide golfers with the best performing golf equipment. The R1 Black gives players who prefer that color access to our industry leading technology.”

Similar to the white version – which has been used to win 16 worldwide golf tournaments this year – the R1 Black driver features the greatest range of adjustability of any driver in the brand’s history. R1 gives the golfer 12 loft-sleeve settings and 7 face-angle positions, as well as two movable shot-shape weights. The R1’s three adjustability technologies allow it to be tuned 168 different ways to specifically fit a player’s swing to optimize distance and accuracy.

The R1 Black driver will debut on the PGA Tour next week in Memphis.

“Members of our tour staff now have two color options,” added King. “We will see a number of them opt for R1 Black, while others will stay in the white version to take advantage of the white/black contrast and alignment benefits.”

The R1 Black features an ultra-light Aldila RIP Phenom and is available at retail 6/10 for $399. For more information, visit taylormadegolf.com

(DUBLIN, Ohio) – Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design (www.frystraka.com), a partnership with worldwide reach in award-winning golf-course design, is playing an active leadership role in the American Association of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the professional organization of golf-course designers in the U.S. Jason Straka, who, with partner Dana Fry, is a longtime member of the ASGCA, led the Education Committee sessions at the 67th ASGCA annual meeting, held April 21-24 at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga. More than 80 ASGCA members were in attendance at the annual meeting, along with approximately 20 golf-industry suppliers and Allied Associations of Golf representatives.

Jason Straka

“I am proud to be a member of the ASGCA and part of the leadership role it takes in the golf industry,” said Straka. “To maintain that leadership role, it is important for members to participate actively and continually add to our knowledge of cutting-edge research, technology and design methodologies.”

The significance of this Education Committee session was to build on ASGCA’s commitment to provide in-depth education to its members so they may continue to practice golf-course architecture at the highest level. Enhancing education offerings is a stated goal of the ASGCA Executive Committee; the Education Committee works to identify relevant topics and secure speakers who impart valuable information to members.

The session began with Dr. Cohen describing various sources of water for golf and how water quality and quantity can be measured. Andy Staples followed with examples of ways golf courses can be helped to determine how best to irrigate and how the many irrigation scenarios can be evaluated for cost effectiveness and water conservation. Dr. Duncan finished with a look at how salt-tolerant grass cultivars function and their role in golf-course water usage.

“Water conservation and quality are critical worldwide environmental issues,” Straka said. “Golf courses can be very good stewards of this resource, and as golf-course designers, our work has a significant impact on how well water is conserved and its quality protected and improved.

“This ‘Deep Dive’ session can only increase the knowledge and tools that we as ASGCA members have at our disposal to do so.”

Southwest Airlines will begin flights directly to Gulf Shores via Pensacola International Airport (PNS) later this year. The flight schedule will include nonstop service and represent a 22% increase in seat capacity over the existing service.

The number of one-stop destinations served will increase to 65 including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, Fla. Tampa, Fla. and Charlotte, N.C. Bags fly free on Southwest and there are no fees to change flight reservations.

Gulf Shores will also now be serviced by Memphis-based Southern Airways Express, which is slated to start flying out of Jack Edwards Airport in late May. The airline will feature daily non-stop flights to and from Memphis, Tenn., New Orleans and Birmingham, Ala.

The airline offers numerous perks including no baggage or parking fees and no TSA security hassles. Passengers will be able to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. The airline will offer complimentary iPads with preloaded movies available to passengers during the flight and fares will range from $129 to $249. Visit www.iFlySouthern.com for more information.

“These flights are opening up more opportunities for visitors to come to Gulf Shores and experience the many activities the destination offers,” said Gulf Shores Golf Association Executive Director Duncan Millar. “With short flights, cheaper airfare and no baggage fees, this is a perfect option for golfers to spend a weekend away playing a few rounds on our pristine courses.”

The Gulf Shores Golf Association is the collection of nine highly acclaimed golf courses located within a 45-minute ride of each other. The area also provides a variety of non-golf, outdoor activities including ziplining, kayaking and deep sea fishing.

Below is a sampling of "starting-at,” family-friendly, stay-and-play rates, good from Aug. 5- Dec. 1. Prices include taxes and fees and are based on four nights and three rounds of golf at three pre-determined courses. An Unlimited Golf option is available at a nominal fee with any package:

Two-Bedroom Gulf Oriented Condominium
Rate: $71.91 per person, per night for golf and room
Description: Quad occupancy in a two bedroom gulf oriented condominium with one queen bed, two twin beds and a sleeper sofa.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

In Play Magazine Targets Golfers Passionate about the Game and Its Lifestyle

(ATLANTA) – To celebrate the best of the golf lifestyle, Sequoia Golf announces the launch of the new quarterly In Play Magazine in digital format and as a mobile application. Now available in an interactive digital version and as a free mobile application for iOS, Android and the Kindle, the upscale publication was designed to inspire passionate golfers as well as non-golfers and will feature the latest golf trends, instructional tips, travel stories and an array of human interest pieces.

Created to cater to the modern golfer, In Play serves as a true lifestyle magazine and covers all topics ranging from playing tips to luxury goods to relevant reading material. The In Play editorial staff is comprised of national magazine writers, golf experts and industry insiders focused on bringing exciting and informative news to its readers.

“We are excited to unveil the digital and mobile versions of In Play Magazine, making it available to golfers across the country. Our mission with In Play is to inspire golfers of all skill sets with variety of topics and unparalleled quality,” said Joe Guerra, president and CEO of Sequoia Golf. “We created In Play to showcase and support the active golf lifestyle. It is a fresh and fun way to share inspiring stories from real golfers and their families. It is our hope that In Play will showcase the finest people, places and passions from the golf community.”

In Play Magazine is available to the public free of cost on iTunes, Google Play and the Kindle Store. In addition to the digital and mobile version, In Play is available in print to Sequoia’s members and affiliates. To receive additional information on In Play Magazine and to learn about available advertising opportunities contact advertising@inplaymedia.com.

(Centennial, Colorado) – To help Dads everywhere shape up their golf game, GolfTEC—the world leader in golf improvement—has the perfect opportunity to “Get Dad Fit For Father’s Day” featuring a Personal Club Fitting, available at GolfTEC Improvement Centers throughout North America.

Playing with precision-matched clubs is at the core of GolfTEC's improvement philosophy and is one of their Five Factors. Although 70 percent of golfers believe their clubs match their game, GolfTEC finds equipment issues in 70 percent of its clients—problems that are keeping them from playing better golf.

The proper fit golf clubs will improve Dad’s game, whether he is a beginner or already a scratch golfer. Each club fitting is conducted by one of GolfTEC’s Certified Personal Coaches, who measures each golfer’s launch conditions in a controlled environment.

With the help of the company’s proprietary technology, which combines video and computerized measurements, data is compiled on spin rate, launch angle and more. With the information, GolfTEC can precisely match clubs to each golfer’s swing—narrowing it down to three makes/models of golf clubs to try, derived from a Swing Labs database of over 1,000 club combination options.

Each Personal Club Fitting is $99 on average, and will improve Dad’s ball striking and save him strokes on the golf course. (Note: Prices and services vary by market. Restrictions may apply.)
GolfTEC, which recently gave its four millionth golf lesson, operates more than 170 improvement centers in the United States, Canada and Asia, including more than 70 within Golfsmith stores.

To locate a GolfTEC Improvement Center and for more details about a Personal Club Fitting, Lesson Plans, or a Swing Evaluation, visit www.golftec.com or call (877) 446-5383.

Between Clemson, N.C. State, Campbell, Coastal Carolina and Methodist, the Carolinas PGA Section Boasts a Quarter of the Nation’s Professional Golf Management Programs

(GREENSBORO, N.C.) – Today, Michael Cooper, PGA, is the general manager at Harbour Pointe Golf Club in New Bern, N.C. But not too long ago he was just a young high school graduate trying to plan a career path in the golf industry.

Cooper eventually entered one of America’s 20 Professional Golf Management University Programs (also known as PGM schools), which are designed to help provide entrée into the realm of real-world golf in the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA). It is a high-motivation, high-reward, plenty-of-opportunities-for-long-term success kind of career path.

The PGM is a true educational program – one designed to prepare college students for a variety of employment opportunities in the golf industry. The program is a four-and-a-half to five-year curriculum for aspiring PGA Professionals looking to combine their golf education with their overall one.

Each year, five sanctioned universities throughout the Carolinas PGA Section – Clemson, N.C. State, Campbell, Coastal Carolina and Methodist – provide participants with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the golf industry through extensive classroom studies and internship experience.

Most of those who graduate go on to successful careers in golf — and all are guaranteed the opportunity to at least try their hand. A graduate of Clemson University’s PGM School located in Clemson, S.C., Cooper knows the inner workings and the external benefits of the program as well as anyone.

“I was accepted into the PGM programs at Clemson, N.C. State, Methodist, and Florida State,” says Cooper, a native of Richmond, Va. “After visiting Clemson, I knew that was the school I was supposed to attend. I loved the small-college town, with big-time sports and outstanding academics.”

While at Clemson, Cooper and his fellow classmates were required to complete 16 hours of internship (cooperative education) as well as PGA certification so that they graduated ready to be elected as Class A PGA golf professionals. He also had the opportunity to dual major in Business Management and Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

According to Paige Cribb, PGA, the director of student support for the PGM program at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C., the PGA of America dictates the PGA portion of the program. Thus, the curriculum at one university is the same across the board. The differences are within the student majors, the campus locations and the size and scope of the schools.

Meanwhile, PGM students at Coastal Carolina major in subjects such as accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management or resort tourism.

“Parents especially like the fact the student is getting an excellent education, it is not just golf,” said Cribb. “That is definitely one of our distinguishing factors.”

Another distinguishing feature of the Clemson PGM program is its emphasis on the “business” of golf.

During the students’ final semester, they work with director Rick Lucas and national golf consultant Jim Keegan on a semester-long case study. Students take a struggling golf facility and work through a series of steps to re-work a new business model for it. They look at market demographics, revenue generation, marketing strategy, expense management, capital improvements and various other aspects of the facility to put together a final presentation.

At the end of the semester, the class presents their recommendations to the facility owners — an ideal opportunity for students to learn all aspects of facility management and golf property valuation.

North Carolina State University’s PGM program in Raleigh, N.C., is designed to teach its students how to combine the best practices for managing the business of golf with the best stewardship of natural resources.

With the recent development of the Arnold Palmer-designed Lonnie Poole Golf Course positioned on the southernmost portion of the university’s Centennial Campus, the program now has a research and training facility to serve as a focal point to help provide students the skills to succeed as managers and instructors in an evolving golf industry.

“One of the other things that is unique about the N.C. State program is that the degree is a BS in Professional Golf Management,” says program director Robb Wade, PGA. “The other schools offer a degree in business or marketing or some other major with a concentration in Professional Golf Management. The benefit for us is that having a stand-alone degree program allows us to add or modify course offerings based on the industry and the demand that we see.”

The PGM core requirements at N.C. State include several courses to be taken by all students in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, as well as specific courses required for all PGM majors such as Turfgrass Management, Food and Beverage Management and Golf Course Architecture.

Keith Hills Golf Club next to Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C., meanwhile, is where you’ll see even more future PGA professionals climbing the ladders of their intended profession. The 27-hole layout certainly helps form the ideal spawning ground for golf education. Campbell’s expert staff of PGA professionals and faculty at the university’s school of business prides itself on shaping golf’s future professionals.

“Though I started playing the game too late to become a college golfer, I knew I wanted to be in the golf business,” says Brett Schneggenburger, a former Campbell PGA Golf Management student from Winston-Salem, now a PGA assistant golf professional at Keith Hills. “It was a no-brainer for me.”

Classroom activities at Campbell give the students a broad base of knowledge for their career goals – leading to important skills such as strong customer relations. Playing proficiency is also monitored, and PGM students have the opportunity to play in tournaments every weekend. But that’s only the beginning.

“I feel everyone who goes through the program knows how to be a professional,” says Schneggenburger. “The golf business is bigger than a lot of people think. There are so many aspects of the business you can get into. What I like most about the program, however, are the internship opportunities that come your way. The classroom work helps prepare you, but the on-the-job training and outside work experiences really prepare you for a future in golf. We have students working at many of the top courses around the nation and the world.”

The third PGA Golf Management program in North Carolina is located on the campus of Methodist University in Fayetteville. This innovative program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration or Marketing with a concentration in PGA Golf Management. The Methodist University Golf Club is unique in that it is the only exclusively private practice facility and 18-hole golf course reserved solely for PGM students.

The success rate for Methodist graduates is remarkably high. Many have found positions across the country at top green-grass facilities as well as many of the world’s leading club manufacturing companies. The lessons learned and skills developed in the program have even found graduates crossing over into high-profile businesses outside the golf industry.

Golf registration is $45 per person and includes a boxed lunch and shared hickory stick golf clubs. With registration, golfers will also be entered in to a raffle for a free driver and receive a coupon for a free round of golf at Eagle Crest Golf Course. The field is limited. Call 702-240-1320 to enter.

Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a putting contest at 7 a.m. and shotgun start at 7:30 a.m.

Golf Summerlin is home to Highland Falls, Palm Valley and Eagle Crest golf courses, all of which are nestled into the Summerlin community just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. The player-friendly, yet challenging, courses welcome residents as well as visitors to the Las Vegas area. Hall-of-Famer Billy Casper and master course-planner Greg Nash designed three well-conditioned, diverse and challenging courses, including a hospitable executive course (Eagle Crest). Together, this trifecta of golf courses offers a broad variety of golf experiences for players of all skill levels and affords golfers some of the most exciting views of Las Vegas. Whether players seek a full-spectrum round on a challenging par-72 layout or a quick 18 on a well-designed executive course, Golf Summerlin satisfies any golf appetite. Follow Golf Summerlin on Facebook www.facebook.com/golfsummerlin or Twitter @GolfSummerlinLV.

(Myrtle Beach, SC) – The world’s largest golf retailer, Golfsmith International, is staking a claim in the golf capital of the world with the opening of its newest store in Myrtle Beach, SC. The new 35,000 square foot Golfsmith Xtreme Myrtle Beach store provides an unrivaled retail experience that encourages customers to try product before they buy in an interactive hi-tech environment.

A Grand Opening Celebration will be May 31 – June 2 with a number of exciting activities including more than $7,500 in giveaways, hole-in-one and closest-to-the-pin contests, group lessons and a block party for the entire family. On June 8, Hank Haney will be on-hand to host a clinic and conduct an autograph session.

Golfsmith’s newest Carolinas location, which comes on the heels of other new store openings in Columbia, Charlotte and Greensboro, includes a five bay indoor driving range and five high-tech fitting studios that let customers test drive the latest equipment with the same technology used to fit tour pros. The store also has an expansive indoor putting green and features GolfTEC – a state-of-the-art in-store improvement center – with PGA teaching professionals and certified coaches’ on-hand to help golfers improve their games.

“Myrtle Beach and Golfsmith are a perfect match and we’re thrilled to expand our retail footprint to this golf mecca. Locals and tourists will discover that we offer the best selection of the biggest brands at guaranteed low prices in a truly unique environment,” said Golfsmith International President and CEO, Sue Gove. “Our people combine their passion for the game with service and expertise so customers can find the right gear and enjoy the game.”

In addition to clubs, balls, shoes, tees and other golf essentials from brands like Titleist, PING, Callaway, TaylorMade, Cobra, PUMA, Nike Golf, Mizuno and more, Golfsmith offers a wide selection of authentic golf apparel brands and fashions not found in a typical department or discount store. Golfers will also find the latest hi-tech accessories such as GPS units, swing analyzers and rangefinders.

Grand Opening Activities
More than $7,500 in freebies will be given away during the weekend celebration including drivers, iron sets, GPS units and rangefinders. Customers can also participate in a hole-in-one/closest-to-the-pin contest in which the top 12 finalists from Saturday qualify for a chance to win $10,000 in a hole-in-one challenge on Sunday June 2nd. Other activities include:
· On Friday, May 31, the first 200 people to visit the store receive a free two-pack of premium golf balls (store opens at 8 a.m.); customers can register to win a $1,000 shopping spree to be given away at 9:15 a.m. Must be present to win.
· On Saturday, June 1, customers can register for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree to be given away at 9:15 a.m. Must be present to win.
· Also on Saturday, June 1, an outdoor Block Party for the entire family will be held from noon – 6 p.m. in the parking lot, featuring live music, kids’ zone (jump houses, face painting, stilt walker) and 10-minute golf lessons (food and drink available for purchase).
· GolfTEC will be hosting group lesson clinics on June 1, June 8 and June 15.
· On Saturday, June 8, Hank Haney will make an appearance (doors open at 8 a.m.) and conduct a full swing clinic (9:05-9:45 a.m.), short game clinic (10:05-10:50 a.m.), and autograph session (11 a.m. – noon). During the clinics, attendees can register for a chance to win a 20-minute lesson with Haney at the end of his appearance that day.

(Victoria, TX) – SCOR Golf announced that its innovative SCOR4161 line of golf wedges were “the top-rated wedges tested” in the Golf Magazine’s ClubTest 2013 equipment reviews. Amateur golfers ranging in handicaps from 1 to 21 tested the SCOR wedges against nine other brands in a variety of playing conditions on the course, driving range and short game practice area. Results can be found in Golf Magazine’s June 2013 issue.

“We are honored by Golf Magazine’s recognition as the top rated wedge tested,” said Terry Koehler, President of SCOR Golf. “The raters have confirmed what thousands of SCOR4161 owner comments in blogs and independent “Iron Byron” robotic testing have proven-that SCOR4161 is a complete re-invention of the short end of the set, and up to twice as accurate and twice as forgiving as any other wedge on the market. On high face impact, for example, SCOR4161 clubs can get you up to 21 feet closer to the hole. For SCOR Golf to be recognized by Golf Magazine’s Clubtest 2013 as the best wedge tested is validation that SCOR Golf is the innovation leader when it comes to scoring clubs technology and performance.”

Highlights of the Golf Magazine ClubTest 2013 include:
- “The top- rated wedges tested”
- “These feel like an extension of my hands. State your intention, and nothing gets lost in translation”
- “A versatile, fun family of scoring clubs”
- “Makes testers reconsider their current wedges as well as their short irons”
- “V sole can do it all”
- “Distance control-best in the test”
- “So easy to dial in shots large or small, excellent from the fairway; reliable on chips”
- “Perfectly weighted head flows through impact”
- “Crisp, consistent feel on all shots”

“Golf Magazine’s ClubTest 2013 conclusion that SCOR4161 was the top-rated wedge tested confirms what we have set out to do- create innovative solutions to help golfers improve their performance with their scoring clubs,” added Koehler. “Our five plus years of research and testing culminated in the development of the most comprehensive package of scoring technologies ever assembled. Golfers no longer should talk about ‘just wedges,’ but now can ensure themselves the advantage of a complete ‘scoring system’ for shots inside 8-iron range. Every feature of these clubs is there to provide measurable shot making/scoring benefits for golfers of all abilities.”

More information on SCOR Golf and SCOR4161 can be found at www.scorgolf.com or at 877-726-7670.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

(North Palm Beach, FL) — To coincide with the 2013 Memorial Tournament, the new Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues, powered by SNAG, will be introduced at select local park and recreation facilities in the Golden Bear’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio, as well as in New York, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles. The Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues (JNLL) marks the first time that golf will be made available to youngsters as a team sport through local parks and recreation facilities. The innovative concept, combined with SNAG’s well-established, first-touch development program, will provide a golf learning experience for children, ages 5 through 12, in a safe, affordable and accessible environment.

Nicklaus has been an important advocate for growing the game and he envisions that with SNAG’s modified equipment and support, and the active participation of local park and recreation agencies through the National Recreation and Park Association, golf can have a competitive footing with such team sports as soccer, basketball and football. In an effort to supplement other growth-of-the-game initiatives, JNLL has sought the input and support of organizations such as the PGA of America and The First Tee.

“There are so many sports—team sports—played in the park system today,” Nicklaus said. “Kids start playing athletics when they are as young as 4 or 5 years old, and by the time they are just 7, 8 or 9 years old, many of them have picked the two or three sports that they might want to play in the different seasons. If golf is not part of the sports introduced and available to them at their local park and recreation facilities, they will play other sports and not golf. So we need to get golf in their local parks and have them play our sport, and I think the team concept is the way to do it.”

“The idea is to bring kids into the game, keep them in the game, have them learn, let them have fun, have fun with their friends, and then they can advance to the next level where they get on a golf course and develop. I just hope these leagues create the same enthusiasm for golf that I discovered at their age.”

Some 100 Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues are planned for 2013 and an estimated 300 are projected to launch in 2014.

Terry Anton, founder and CEO of SNAG Golf, is enthusiastic about the leadership position of Jack Nicklaus in the establishment of the Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues.

“Jack Nicklaus’ vision to bring golf to the same venues where other organized sports thrive will make it easier to develop our future golfers,” Anton said. “These leagues will introduce millions of new players to the sport and will help nurture children developing their motor skills and do it in a fun way. SNAG is honored to have been selected to participate with history’s greatest golfer and the NRPA in the Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues. Our task is to make his vision a reality by implementing SNAG’s programming in the parks and directing this feeder system into all on-course golf programs. This is an important stepping stone for the industry to capture interest in golf early so that youngsters will transition with confidence to play with actual golf equipment on a traditional course. The more fun we make golf for children, the more chance they have to play the game for a lifetime.”

The use of parent-coaches and turning soccer and other playing fields into venues for this golf competition will be pivotal to the implementation of the Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues, through the auspices of the National Recreation and Park Association.

“Local parks and recreation are the go-to places where children can learn to play sports and develop a connection to healthy activities,” says Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association. “We are so proud to be bringing the Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues and SNAG to park and recreation agencies across the country, because not only is it a great program but it means more children will have the chance to participate in the sport of golf in a fun and unique way and develop a connection to a healthy activity that will last them a lifetime.”

The NRPA will administer grants to park and recreation facilities across the U.S. to underwrite the costs associated with providing Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues equipment, coaching and programming. A 501 3 entity, G.O.L.F. (the Global Outreach for Learning Foundation), is being established to raise the necessary funds. G.O.L.F.’s mission is to help people develop golf skills and have fun through developmentally appropriate programs. The goal is to ensure retention and provide a sustainable model for transition to other programs at golf facilities, in order to increase participation for current and future generations. (For information on G.O.L.F. visit www.thegolffoundation.org.)

The Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues are separated by age groups: 5-6 and 7-8-year-olds with the intention of expanding to 9-10 and 11-12 in the near future. Each league will have a set number of children per team and incorporate a specialized, age-appropriate format and learning curriculum.

(Westwood, Kansas) - In a recent survey, buyers of Tom Watson Lessons of a Lifetime, tomwatson.com, the 2-disc instructional program produced by the 8 time major champion, the results showed that:
* 93% said the DVDs improved their game.
* 78% rated the DVDs excellent.
* 78% said the DVDs were the best instruction program ever.

Tom Watson Productions conducted the survey in May 2013. The survey results were consistent throughout all handicap levels from high handicappers to golf professionals.

"It is really gratifying to see my instruction making a difference in the lives of every day golfers. I tried to take all that I have learned from the golf mentors in my life and all my years on tour, and put it in an easy-to-understand format." says Tom Watson.

Comments from those responding to the survey included:
* "Definitely the best. I wish I had this kind of instructional aide when I was 12 years old."
* "Best video ever. Cannot say enough about the graphics. Tom is one of the greatest at teaching all the variations of the golf swing in all situations. Great lessons for all levels of players."
* "I am a golf professional and have admired and taught Tom Watson's swing for years. He is the best example of "swing the clubhead" since the late Ernie Jones. He shows us the perfect plane which has helped students understand and maintain the path through the ball."
* "Very detailed. Excellent explanations. Highly recommended for beginners and 'visual' learners."
* "I love Tom's swing and style of play. His lessons are very easy to understand and apply to your game. Good work."
* "Great video!! Puts things in an easy to understand and learn format. Count not afford lessons from a pro shop. Best investment to improving my golf fame I have ever made. Will recommend it to everyone I know."
* "Excellent Resource. I highly recommend to anyone wanting to improve their golf game at any level."

The two-DVD set provides 44 lessons averaging 4 minutes each of clear, comprehensive instruction and sells at retail for $49.95.

The DVD set is available from tomwatson.com with free worldwide shipping through June 30, 2013. The DVD set is also available at select golf and sporting goods locations, pro shops and all Amazon worldwide sites.

The set can also be purchased by telephone at 1-800-993-5589.

The Japanese, Mandarin, French (separate Canadian and European formats) and German versions of Tom Watson Lessons of a Lifetime are sold at retailers in those countries plus through website links available at tomwatson.com.

To celebrate the U.S. Open, a special KENTWOOL Tour Profile performance sock in red, white and blue is available at www.kentwoolsocks.com.

Slated to be worn during championship week by Bubba Watson, the commemorative design ($19.95) is crafted from a proprietary blend of fine merino wool and high-tech fibers creating a micro-climate system for superior moisture wicking and odor control.

By infusing its footwear fibers with air, KENTWOOL provides cushioning at micro-stress points along the foot enhancing comfort, boosting energy levels and reducing abrasion for a 100-percent blister-free guarantee.

(NEWPORT BEACH, CA) – Hopkins Golf is giving away a free custom wedge every day for the month of June on Facebook. Click here: http://on.fb.me/1732Zx6 to enter the sweepstakes. Those who enter can also let the company know about their ideas on how Hopkins Golf can customize and personalize their clubs. Examples include custom stamping, names, initials, paint-fill colors, etc. Winners will be announced on Facebook in June.

(Lakewood, WA) – PlayKleen, maker of the world’s finest microfiber waffle technology golf towel, reports that Irene Cho and Cristie Kerr used its new tour towel to help record their second and fourth place finish, respectively, at the inaugural Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

“I would like to congratulate Irene Cho for her career best second place finish at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPG Classic which also earned her a trip to the CME Group Titleholders event at the end of the year,” stated Travis Teeple, President of PlayKleen. “The PlayKleen towels proved invaluable for Irene and Cristie as severe thunderstorms dropped more than a foot of rain on the golf course. Keeping ones hands dry and equipment clean of mud and debris became paramount to good shot-making.”

“This is a great event that unfortunately had to get scaled back due to mother nature,” said Cristie Kerr. “Without a doubt the PlayKleen towel proved to be perhaps my most important piece of equipment having had to play during these extremely challenging conditions.”

PlayKleen, which offers a golf specific, microfiber, waffled pattern towel, features FlexTEK and Aquastran technologies. PlayKleen towels are able to absorb 300% of its weight in water while maintaining its lightweight construction, making the PlayKleen towel an ideal, vital piece of equipment for golfers of all abilities. PlayKleen towels offer endless customization and color options and is ideal for corporate and club outings, tournaments and charities.

PlayKleen towels are available online at www.playkleen.com and at leading pro-shops and resorts around the world.

(NORTH BARRINGTON, IL) – NewSpin Golf – maker of the market-leading SwingSmart golf swing analyzer – announces that a surge in consumer demand for its award-winning technology has led to rapid adoption and sell-through at better off-course and green grass retailers.

Widely recognized as the most efficient, effective and fun new tool for helping all players improve on-course performance, SwingSmart is now carried at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Edwin Watts, PGA Tour Superstore, Roger Dunn and many independent golf-specialty retailers in the U.S. and overseas. It’s also a popular choice among buyers at top public and private facilities, such as Congressional Country Club, Trump National Golf Club, Friar’s Head Golf Club, Haggin Oaks and The Kittansett Club, among others.

“The digital swing analysis space is fiercely competitive, but SwingSmart remains the most popular option because of superior quality, ease-of-use and our commitment to helping players improve,” says Angelo Papadourakis, CEO of NewSpin Golf. “The system quickly breaks down exactly what the club is doing, so golfers can see specifically what causes the best results and work on replicating it.”

A first-of-its-kind solution, users simply clip the small (less than 1 oz.) Bluetooth-enabled SwingSmart sensor module ($249.99) to a golf-club shaft and the device wirelessly communicates with a free app for iPad, iPhone or iPod devices, presenting detailed, easy-to-interpret analytics on:
* Key Stats – Tempo, swing speed, face angle, shaft lean; info on each and optimization tips provided within the app by world-renowned instructor Peter Kostis
* Path and Plane – “3-D Swing-View” shows 360-degrees of a player’s swing motion, highlighting the exact route of the club head from any angle
* Putting Results – More than just a full-swing tool, the system provides info on a player’s putting stroke to help them reduce scores on the green
* Personal Best – Data from a golfer’s best swings can be saved and used as points of reference
Developed by a team of expert software designers, SwingSmart combines tracked stats with a “3-D
* Swing View” to provide a real-time snapshot of how the club is being manipulated through impact. This allows players to adjust and learn what’s successful for their individual games. A great, year-round practice tool, SwingSmart features a special training mode that provides the key data necessary to help players learn the proper swing motion, without the pressure of hitting a ball.

Designed and assembled in the USA, SwingSmart’s portable sensor module comes with a personal carrying case and rechargeable battery that lasts more than four hours. Widely recognized by PGA Professionals as a way to augment lessons, the app is available for free download via the iTunes store and will soon be offered on the Android Marketplace.

GOLF Magazine recently named SwingSmart the “Best App for Instant Feedback” and it received the Product Ingenuity award in the Emerging Companies category during the International Network of Golf (ING) Industry Honors program at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show.

(Hartford, CT) – Back9Network, the new multiplatform media company, announced three new content distribution partnerships involving: RealGravity for video syndication services; LockerDome for video based social networking and Yahoo Sports Radio for radio and online distribution. These alliances complement the Company’s existing content distribution partnerships with USA Today and SiriusXM Radio.

“Our programming and content is like nothing being offered today and is now available to millions of new eyes and ears because of the established audience reach of these partners,” said James L. ("Jamie") Bosworth, founder and CEO, Back9Network. “These agreements advance our business because millions more can experience Back9Network’s programming. More importantly, Back9 will now deliver more lucrative demographics to our advertisers."

According to Bosworth, these agreements dramatically expand the footprint and distribution of Back9’s daily content. The new partnerships include:
* RealGravity: RealGravity, owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, is the only online video platform built specifically for syndication. RealGravity enables media companies and their advertising partners to reach engaged viewers across targeted categories, demographics, and devices at scale. RealGravity has the potential to expand Back9Network’s reach by 15 million viewers. More importantly, RealGravity’s platform enables Back9Network to enhance its targeted distribution in order to provide more value add for its sponsors and advertisers.

* LockerDome is one of the fastest growing online sports properties in the world. In April alone nearly 14 million people used LockerDome to consume digital content and interact with like-minded people around their favorite sports interests. Back9Network has it’s own channel within LockerDome. LockerDome has grown by more than 400% over the past 6 months and, in addition to Back9Network, has registered an impressive collection of high-profile sports brands across the country.

* Gow Media operates Yahoo! Sports Radio, a national sports radio network broadcast in the United States on over 400 local radio affiliates. Yahoo! Sports Radio is also heard online at YahooSportsRadio.com, via the Yahoo! Sports Radio mobile application and at hundreds of affiliate websites nationwide.

Back9Network’s existing content partnerships include:
* USA Today Sports: Select Back9Network coverage and content is viewable online at www.USATODAY.com/golf. Back9 in 90, the daily online video update covering the day's events in golf and beyond, is currently available via USATODAY.com/sports five days a week. Back9Network and USA Today Sports also work together to utilize each other's online content and coverage and cooperate on mutual link sharing. Future syndication of Back9Network content is expected to take place across other sites that comprise USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties and Gannett Co.

* SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio Program, “Fairways of Life with Matt Adams”: Back9Network’s existing partnership with the Matt Adams’ Fairways of Life, the most listened to golf show in the world, continues to excite the Company’s current fan base. Last week Back9Network’s corporate headquarters hosted Fairway’s of Life with Ted Bishop, current president of PGA of America and Jim Remy, former president of PGA of America as co-hosts with Matt Adams.

Superintendent Keith Snyder returns home to see Great Bear Golf Club through highs and lows

(EAST STROUDSBURG, PA) – When Keith Snyder first returned to his childhood stomping grounds in the Pocono Mountain region of Northeast Pennsylvania in the mid-to-late 1990s, he was a happy man. Now the golf course superintendent is even more delighted knowing he could be staying put a good while longer.

With new ownership and a renewed commitment to Snyder’s beloved Great Bear Golf Club, he now has a place he can truly call “home.”

A graduate of Penn State University’s illustrious turf management school, Snyder was working at DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Del., when he got the call to return to the East Stroudsburg area.

“I always wanted a chance to come back,” he said. “Now that I have so much of myself invested in [Great Bear Golf Club] I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It’s a great group here – the members, the staff, the ownership. The support they’ve shown in preserving the club as the type of golf facility it should be is tremendous. This is a great opportunity for all of us.”

Formerly a private club known as Great Bear Golf & Country Club, the lone Jack Nicklaus signature design in the area was once the Northeast’s most talked about new design. But even a facility with an armload of course honors and boasting an architect with one of the most famous names in golf is not impervious to a staggering economy. When the original owners were not able to keep up with financial pressures, the course closed in 2010.

But thanks to the perseverance of Snyder and the local bank that took over the course, the “Great Bear” never really went away – it merely went into hibernation. Despite multiple on-again, off-again periods from 2010 through 2012, Snyder and a few members of his original crew kept the course in salvageable shape.

“The golf course suffered just a little for being closed for a while, but the bank was smart enough to keep us around to protect it from catastrophic failures,” said Snyder. “We even mowed the greens to in-season heights because we were always hopeful a buyer would come along and we could open it back up right away.”

Last fall, one did. Charlie Kirkwood – owner of The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, an original A.W. Tillinghast design just three miles away – purchased Great Bear at an autumn auction. Wasting no time, the new team kick-started significant improvements to the course by enhancing the greens and refurbishing the bunkers with 120 tons of sand. The practice area has also been returned to its former glory.

Now Great Bear is open, back in business and — thanks to Snyder and his team — in remarkably good shape.

With the Nicklaus signature agreement still in place, guests can be assured of a top-notch golf experience. Further demonstrating the new ownership’s commitment to excellence, the most recent multi-million dollar upgrade also includes a new fleet of golf carts, a repaved parking lot and driveway, a new maintenance facility and new maintenance equipment.

Though located in a secluded part of the state, Great Bear is surrounded by a lot of folks. The overall 450-acre property with 128 home sites is situated about 90 minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia. The golf course itself sprawls across about a third of the acreage with very little intrusion from residences.

“It is very peaceful and serene,” added Snyder. “There are no parallel holes. When you are on a golf hole you are out there all by yourself with just your foursome. It’s a very nice and relaxing atmosphere when you play here. Any long-time or new member would speak strongly that this is a special place for them.”

The Pocono Mountain region has a long history as a resort and tourist destination. For those looking to visit the region and play Great Bear, now is a great time. With the ownership committed to returning the club to its private glory one day, it may not be so readily accessible down the road.

“Everyone involved is excited about this opportunity,” said Snyder breathing a sigh of relief. “If a course becomes a wasteland, it’s better to rip it up and start again. We didn’t do that here and we came through it very well.”

About Great Bear Golf Club: Integrating a trio of lakes, several streams, wetlands, small bridges and rolling terrain, the 7,000-yard Nicklaus design offers interesting challenges yet is designed with the ultimate in playability. It is conveniently located just eight miles off Route I-80 and 15 minutes from the Delaware Water Gap and New Jersey state line.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

(FAIRHAVEN, Mass.) – For the first time, Master Craftsman Bob Vokey is providing access to the Vokey Tour Department at Titleist with the introduction of WedgeWorks Hand Ground, the ultimate custom wedge for the avid Vokey enthusiast.

For years, Vokey and his team of craftsmen in Carlsbad, Calif., have hand ground wedges for the world’s best golfers, meticulously crafting one-of-a-kind scoring tools to precisely fit a player’s technique and style, not to mention their personality.

Through WedgeWorks Hand Ground, golfers now have the opportunity to submit their wedge orders to the Vokey Tour Department and experience the same intricate detail as those players competing on the worldwide professional tours, choosing from several models, grinds and customization options previously reserved for Tour pros only.

After receiving an order, Bob or one his craftsmen – such as Vokey Tour Rep Aaron Dill – will hand grind, polish and buff each wedge, before finishing it off with personalized stamping and a hand-stamped hosel code. The grinder’s initials will be stamped on the hosel of the wedge, a small “BV” marking those wedges hand ground by the man himself.

Orders for WedgeWorks Hand Ground wedges can be submitted to the Vokey Tour Department through Vokey.com beginning June 19.

“I’m excited to make this Tour-level experience available to the Vokey wedge enthusiast,” said Vokey, whose Titleist Vokey Design wedges have been the top choice on the PGA Tour since 2004 and counting, and are sought after by Tour pros and amateurs alike.

“I’m bringing everything I’ve learned over the years working with the best players in the world to this project. Many of the little tweaks I like to do on the Tour Van are now available. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

WedgeWorks Hand Ground wedges are offered in 58º and 60º lofts, and four of Vokey's favorite high-performance sole grinds – M, V, E and T. The V, E, and T models are available only through the Hand Ground program. All Hand Ground wedges have a raw finish, previously available only to Tour players, along with Tour-proven, precision-milled SM4 grooves.

Many aspects of the wedge’s shape, sole and leading edge will be customizable, relative to the player’s desired performance preferences. Golfers can choose from the many grind options that Vokey has perfected over the years, including square toe, straighter or pre-worn leading edge, additional heel relief, thinner or beveled top line and a pro-groove sole.

Pro-groove, for example, is a subtle channel in the center of the sole that Vokey hand grinds for a number of players, including Webb Simpson on his TVD-M wedge.

“What it does for Webb is move the contact point on the sole slightly forward, allowing him to activate the bounce on short pitches,” Vokey said. “You saw his success with it last year at the U.S. Open.”

The Tour-level treatment carries over to personalization, with a number of exclusive stamping, engraving and paintfill options.

WedgeWorks Hand Ground offers four different character stamping styles – straight, freestyle, snow, and the new staircase option – in up to eight letters and/or numbers. There are five toe stamp options – Prototype 2013, Hand Ground, Special Grind, BVHG and Spin Milled. Golfers also have the option to get the club’s loft (i.e. “60º”) stamped on the toe. All character and toe stampings are available in one of 12 different paintfill colors. “Hand Ground” is engraved on each hosel to designate the special nature of the wedge.

WedgeWorks Hand Ground will also offer BV grips in a variety of textures and colors to match the player’s look and feel preferences. Among the grips available are the new Lamkin ACE 3Gen, the Golf Pride Vokey Z Patriot and the New Decade Multi-Compound Whiteout Red. BV Custom grips are available only through WedgeWorks.

A high-performance shaft matrix includes wedge-specific shafts such as the WedgeWorks-only KBS Custom Series Black Matte, Dynamic Gold Spinner and KBS Hi-Rev. All Vokey wedges can be adjusted for length, loft and lie angle. Weight porting on the back of the wedge to dial in a specific swingweight is also available.

Hand Ground is the ultimate custom product and service available through WedgeWorks, Vokey’s high performance custom shop at Titleist, which also includes WedgeWorks Exclusives, WedgeWorks Limiteds and WedgeWorks Services.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: WedgeWorks Hand Ground wedges have an MSRP of $350, inclusive of shafts, grips and customization options. Orders may be placed beginning June 19, 2013, with an expected turnaround time of two to three weeks. (U.S. only.)

Mantis Golf wants the ball to be the hero when it comes to making putts. Problem is, many putters on the market today boast elaborate shapes, are made from reflective metal or come in white finishes - making it hard for golfers to keep their eye on the ball.

What to do? Enter the green putter.

As beginning golfers, many of us heard the same thing from our instructors, “head down, eye on the ball.” As we’ve progressed and improved, the same two points remain critically important. Take your eye off the ball for a moment and solid contact is almost assuredly lost.

The theory behind a putter whose head matches the putting surface is simple. When given the option of looking at a white ball or green putter head, the mind will certainly focus on the ball.

From a practical standpoint, American Golfer took the Mantis out for our Hundred-Putt test. As the name implies, it’s 100 putts from all across the green. Our putts ranged from three feet to 30 feet and included uphill, downhill, left/right breakers and even an occasional straight putt.

What we found
* It was more of a challenge switching to a white driver than it was to transition to the green putter.
* The mallet putter is growing on me. While I’ve generally favored the traditional blade design, the mallet provides a nice weight (350g) and encourages a pendulum stroke.
* The green-and-white custom Winn Grip sticks with the unique look, but provides a very comfortable feel.
* The ball has a nice release (and sound) coming off the polyurethane face insert.
* The Mantis putter is perimeter weighted, which helped keep the face square through impact.

Made from 431 Stainless Steel, the Mantis putter comes in 33/34/35 inches and uncut/gripped 36 inches.

More than the green color, perhaps our favorite thing about the Mantis putter was the perimeter weighting. Many lesser mallets we’ve tested almost encourage the face to close, causing putts to miss left or the golfer to over-compensate by keeping the face open throughout the stroke. Either way ... missed putts.

While we don’t publish the number of putts made - mostly because user error taints comparisons - it’s safe to say the Mantis ranks right up there with the most-effective putters we’ve tested. While I can’t say I do or do not take my eye off the ball with other putters, I can say that it’s very easy to focus on the ball when using the Mantis.

We’ve said it before, but golf often follows the “drive for show, putt for dough” mantra. Perhaps you should put a Mantis putter in your bag. Green is the color of money, after all.

An early morning fog in Eastern Long Island burned off and a gloriously beautiful, hot sunny day emerged just in time for the golfers to enjoy the spectacular views at The Bridge in Bridgehampton, NY for the 15th Annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic this past Monday, May 20th.

A sold-out field gathered to support the Ann Liguori Foundation and radio and television sport's personality Ann Liguori, who founded the Foundation five years ago after hosting the annual charity golf tournament in The Hamptons for 10 straight years for the American Cancer Society.

The Ann Liguori Foundation raises money and awareness for cancer prevention and cancer research and continues to support the American Cancer Society and a list of other notable charities.

Each year, the Foundation brings nutrition education expert Jill Jayne to the East End to conduct assemblies for young people, teaching them about good nutrition and the importance of regular exercise for over-all good health benefits.

"I thank all of our wonderful volunteers, sponsors, the golfers, donors and the staff at The Bridge who helped make our charity golf tournament a huge success," says Liguori. "And a very special thanks to the man upstairs who is responsible for the weather and in 15 years, we have had quite an amazing track record in that department!"

The live auction items included foursomes at prestigious courses on the East End of Long Island, a golf trip to Northern and Western Ireland, a foursome and lessons at Glen Arbor Golf Club in Bedford, NY, a limited edition print from Linda Hartough, tickets to the U.S. Women's Open at Sebonack and a reception and evening of cabaret at a private residence in Manhattan.

The winning team, Jason Dove of Rockland Country Club in Sparkill, NY, and his teammates, Gene Bonniberger, Martin Gjelaj and Chris MacArthur, shot an 11 under 61 in the best ball of foursome (using 80 percent handicap) format. Eleven foursomes received prizes as well as Robert Martin of Winged Foote and Nancy Moon of Southampton Golf Club for longest drives.

Physicist turned putter designer, Duane Engdahl, announced the release of his new golf putter technology to the worldwide golf market. His previous putter release, named the Quantum Finesse, was a perfected putter except for one thing. It turned out that the aluminum head mass of that putter was inadequate for precision putting. This has now been corrected with the release of the new "Quantum Roller" which is made entirely of costly high atomic weight Brass. This gives this new Quantum Putter superior feel, and a quantum improvement in putting precision plus the elegance which is unique to beautiful brass.

Engdahl says, "Nothing feels better than brass when it comes to putting. We started there with our legacy Quantum Putter back in 2002, and now after much trial and error we have returned to the basics of brass. In the interim we concentrated on the physics and physiology of putting, but we neglected to keep our focus on the very best material for putting golf balls into the cup -- Brass!

"Yes of course brass is more expensive, but who cares about material expense when it comes to winning a hole on the golf green. So we returned to brass, but we did not abandon our other improvements. Now we are confident that our new Quantum Roller is the best we can imagine for the art of putting."

The new Quantum Roller will be available for shipping after June 16, at the retail price of $295. We will be taking advance orders now while we await shipment of our first lot of heads from our machine shop in Phoenix. During this time, we will give our waiting list buyers a discount off retail price. All you need to do to get on this waiting list and get your discount, is email quantumputters@gmail.com and put QUANTUM ROLLER WAITING LIST in the subject line.

If you are already a Quantum Legacy, Simplicity, or Finesse putter owner, please let us know and we can also arrange for a full value trade-in of your current putter on the new Roller. We want you to be the best you can be on the golf green, and you can't be the best without having the best golf putter technology.

(Fairhaven, MA) – Just a month removed from his 20th birthday, Titleist Brand Ambassador Matteo Manassero became the youngest player ever to win the prestigious BMW PGA Championship, doing it in dramatic fashion with a birdie on the fourth hole of a three-man playoff.

Trusting the Pro V1x golf ball and a full bag of Titleist equipment from tee-through-green, Manassero closed with a pair of 3-under par 69s on the weekend to join the playoff at 10-under par 278. It marked Manassero’s fourth career European Tour title, one each year since 2010 when he first won at age 17.

Manassero topped a world-class field of 150 players at the BMW PGA Championship, 86 (57%) of whom relied upon a Titleist golf ball at one of the European Tour’s most coveted events. Year-to-date, over 66% (1,653) of all players on the 2013 European Tour have relied upon Titleist golf balls, more than five times the nearest competitor with 313. Those Titleist golf ball loyalists have accounted for 12 wins through the first 19 events this year, four times the nearest competitor with 3.

ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer boasts impressive field featuring golfers from 23 countries — as well as the 10 top-ranked female players in world

(ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.) —The 113th U.S. Open Championship will be played just up the road outside Philadelphia in two weeks. But the unofficial start to the summer golf season begins this week near Atlantic City’s world-famous boardwalk — on the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club’s Bay Course, in what is popularly known around South Jersey as “A Shore Tradition,” the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer.

The May 31 to June 2 LPGA event features the world’s Top-10 ranked players in the Rolex Rankings and 22 former major championship winners — along with 95 out of the top 100 players on the LPGA’s money list representing 23 different countries in all. Off-course highlights include the Red Bull Boardwalk Drive at the Revel Casino Sky Garden on Friday night with Lexi Thompson and a few of her LPGA friends participating in a unique skills challenge high atop the resort.

“Atlantic City Golf is the best-kept secret on the East Coast and this week’s tournament certainly brings worldwide attention to one of our member courses and our entire destination,” said Greater Atlantic City Golf Association President Tom Sullivan.

New Jersey’s entertainment capital offers golfers 19 world-class courses designed by the likes of Donald Ross, Tom Doak, Willie Park, Jr., William Flynn and Hurdzan & Fry among others. From Cape May National in the south to Sea Oaks Golf Club in the north, the 19 layouts offer everything from traditional parkland style to true links land, highlighted by views of untouched wetlands, stately pine forests, wildlife preserves and working vineyards.

“We are thrilled to have the best professional women golfers in the world commit to our tournament,” stated Tim Erensen, executive director for the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer. “It speaks to the quality of this tournament, the spectacular course and supportive fans that flock to this golf-rich destination each year.”

In addition, Atlantic City Golf includes plenty of historical significance as well. For starters, the term “birdie” originated at Atlantic City Country Club, which has played host to six USGA events. In addition, Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club is the site of Sam Snead’s first PGA Championship title and started hosting the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 1986. Harry Vardon and Walter Hagen fine-tuned their games at The Links at Brigantine Beach before heading across the Atlantic to the play the Open Championship.

An easy drive from the major metropolitan areas along the East Coast, Atlantic City caters to golfers with a wide variety of accommodations from budget rooms to full-scale suites, casinos, more than 150 restaurants and bars, world-class spas, top name concerts and comedy shows, innovative nightlife, designer shopping, the beach, the boardwalk and pulsating casino games.

“Atlantic City offers more ways to play than any other golf vacation,” said Sullivan. “Golfers especially enjoy the great variety of courses and off-the-course activities.”

Learn more about Atlantic City Golf and special summer and fall packages at www.PlayACGolf.com.

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) – TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff professional Boo Weekly returned to the winner’s circle today after posting a 66-66-67-67-266 total at the Crowne Plaza Invitational. The win marked the third PGA Tour win for Weekly who teed up the new Lethal golf ball, wore adidas Golf adizero Tour footwear and played TaylorMade metalwoods including the R1 driver.

Weekly now moves to sixth in the FedEx Cup standings.

TaylorMade drivers have now been used in 23 worldwide victories. The R1 has been used in 15 of those wins.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

(West Roxbury, MA) - Axis1 Golf, makers of the world's 100% first perfectly balanced and torque free putters, announced that the only answer to the anchoring ban is #NoAnchorRequired.

"Belly and Long putter users are trying to use their body as a crutch to limit the movement of the (putter) head for stability," said Phil Long, Axis1 Golf Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Axis1 putters are 100% torque free which provides maximum stability of the head at a standard length (33-35"). No belly is required or no anchor is required because of our technology.

"With our products, anchored putter users can go ahead and grip our (standard length) putters, trust that they are 100% stable and will never turn on you," Long added. "We are so confident in this; we are putting our money where our mouth is by offering a 30-day guarantee on our products. If you buy an Axis1 putter and don't like it, you can return it within 30 days and get your money back, no questions asked."

Exploring golf course designer for minor redesign of Pilsner Hills Country Club

BogeyPro is interviewing golf course designers to do some minor renovations to their famous Pilsner Hills Country Club. The location of this 162 acre, championship golf course is shrouded in secrecy. Members from all over the world make their way to PHCC to celebrate the game of golf, good company and, of course, beer. Buy your Pilsner Hills merchandise here.

Friday, May 24, 2013

“Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” Supports the Men and Women who Protect America by Offering Free & Discount Golf at Marriott Courses Nationwide

(ORLANDO, Fla.) - Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators and the golf management organization of Marriott International, announced that “Freedom Friday” kicks-off the company’s 2nd Annual “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” military golf program. On Friday, May 24, 2013, in coordination with the On Course Foundation, servicemen, servicewomen and veterans who were wounded in combat were invited to play golf for free at one of 19 Marriott-managed golf properties.

“Freedom Friday” is a prelude to Marriott’s nationwide “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” military golf program, designed to support the men and women of the military who are dedicated to protecting America’s freedom. In celebrating America’s armed forces, “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” provides active, reserve and retired military personnel with both free and discount golf from Memorial Day through Veteran’s Day at over 19 acclaimed Marriott Golf facilities throughout the United States.

“The men and women of the armed forces stand at the frontline of our freedom and this golf program is a small gesture to show our appreciation for the many sacrifices that these individuals make for us,” said Jim Keane, Senior Director of Operations, Marriott Golf. “In 2013, we are excited to add ‘Freedom Friday’ to the program and use the great game of golf to honor those brave individuals who have been injured in combat.”

As part of the inaugural May 24 “Freedom Friday” initiative, Marriott Golf aligned with the On Course Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides long-term benefits for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) servicemen, servicewomen and veterans through monthly, nationwide golf skills and employment training events. Through On Course, dozens of deserving men and women teed it up at participating Marriott Golf courses for a round of complimentary golf to start the Memorial Day weekend, and officially kick-off the “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” program.

“The On Course Foundation is extremely excited to work with Marriott Golf and celebrate ‘Freedom Friday’ in support of America’s armed forces,” said John McAfee, National Liaison Officer, On Course Foundation USA. “The men and women we work with are the bravest of the brave and have given so much back to their country. They greatly appreciate when companies like Marriott honor them with programs like ‘Fairways-Fore-FREEdom.’”

Following the “Freedom Friday” festivities, which took place in the morning on Friday, May 24, the “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” program will commence. As part of “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom,” which ends on Veteran’s Day 2013 (November 11), members of the armed forces who present a valid military ID card can take advantage of discounted twilight green fees/carts, ranging from just $29 - $69, while receiving a free replay certificate for another day. The free replay certificates will be valid until December 31, 2013. The program is available after 3 p.m. any day of the week at participating Marriott Golf courses, and all tee times can be made up to three days in advance. In some cases, select Marriott Golf properties will even extend the hours that the special offer is available, further enhancing the value of the program and enabling eligible military personnel to experience the company’s prestigious collection of championship golf courses.

(PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.) - Keiser University College of Golf & Sport Management (COGSM) students and faculty have been officially recognized by St. Lucie County Special Olympics for their generous and selfless work with Special Olympics golfers throughout 2012. At a recent ceremony, Saint Lucie County Special Olympics Director Ryan Strickland presented Keiser University College of Golf and Sport Management Vice President John McMurry and Executive Director of Golf Operations Dr. Eric Wilson with a plaque recognizing the college's efforts.

More than 25 Keiser University College of Golf and Sport Management students volunteered time from their busy schedules to train and provide practice opportunities for 16 Saint Lucie County Special Olympics golfers weekly throughout the 2012 golf season. Some of these Special Olympics golfers and student volunteers travelled to Phoenix last fall to participate in the Special Olympics National Invitational golf tournament and returned with medals from various levels of competition. This year, Keiser University COGSM students are once again volunteering their time with St Lucie County Special Olympics golfers beginning this month at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and the PGA Golf Club.

"Golf provides great opportunities for Special Olympics athletes and all of the kids work extremely hard. It is always an honor and privilege for the Keiser University College of Golf and Sport Management students and faculty to work side-by-side with Special Olympics golfers and we're eager to tee it up again this year," says Dr. Wilson, who is a PGA Master Professional.

Dr. Wilson is also the chairman of the Special Olympics North America Golf Committee, and he and his wife, Marilyn, have been committed to supporting Special Olympics golf worldwide since 1992, having visited and trained coaches and athletes in all 50 states, South Africa, and Ireland.

Keiser University COGSM is well-known for its Associate of Science Degree in Golf which prepares students to provide golf instruction, manage golf course operations, ensure appropriate maintenance of golf facilities and equipment, as well as integrate the play of golf into the broader hospitality and recreation domain. The Keiser University College of Golf & Sport Management Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management is designed to prepare students for careers in sport-related industries with concentrations in either Golf, Psychology and Sports Medicine and Fitness Technology. This is a 120-credit program geared to admit students right out of high school. For graduates of an accredited institution who hold an Associate's Degree or higher and have six months of employment in hospitality, fitness, sports, recreation, golf or a related field, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Management can be obtained as a completion degree entirely online in as few as 20 months.

For more information on attending Keiser University College of Golf & Sport Management, contact the College of Golf campus at 1860 Fountainview Blvd, Port St. Lucie, Fla.; online at www.CollegeofGolf.KeiserUniversity.edu; or call 888.355.4465.

Tyler Pringle recently posted an infographic on the evolution of the golf ball and club on GolfZing.com. Check it out HERE.

Here's the into:These ain't your grandfather's balls. Advances in modern technologies have enhanced the playability and forgiveness of the golf ball, allowing it to travel further and straighter while cutting through the wind like a samurai sword and biting on the green like a rattlesnake.

With this infographic, we take a look back at some of the original tools of the trade and how advancements in technology have improved golf balls and clubs.

A short month away, The Symetra Tour arrives in Harris in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula June 28-30. One hundred and forty-four professional women golfers will vie for a $115,000 purse and a chance to win their 2014 LPGA Tour card.

Three-day tournament passes cost $10 for grounds access and include entry into daily prize drawings during the event. Kiwanis, the Community Foundation, American Red Cross, Caring House and several area schools are among many groups selling tickets, keeping 100 percent of the profits.

“We are thrilled to bring back our ticket donation program to benefit the community,” says Susan Harris, co-chair of the Island Resort Championship. “While providing a strong sales force for us, these charities provide a great service back to the area as a result of their efforts.”

A complete list of participating groups can be found at sweetgrassgolfclub.com. Passes may also be purchased directly on the Sweetgrass website, or via the Island Resort Showroom ticket office. Children under 18 can enter the championship for free.

Tournament officials expect over 5,000 spectators to attend during Friday, Saturday and Sunday rounds. Corporate hospitality packages have sold out for the third year in a row.

“This is the third of a three-year LPGA commitment to bring this Symetra tour stop to us,” says Harris. “We hope everyone embraces these women to our area and enjoys watching them play.”

Volunteers continue to be sought, giving participating fans complimentary entry into the tournament, a free round of golf at Sweetgrass Golf Club, volunteer uniform and lunch voucher on his/her work day.